Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (23)
$1,299.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (3)
$1,299.00
Amazon
3.8 (11)
$1,996.32
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$1,165.24 New
$950.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$1,299.00
zZounds
5.0 (11)
$1,299.00
Thomann
4.6 (18)
$1,139.00 $1,129.00 $10.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,003.00

Average Price: $1,305

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless sound. Revered as one of the rarest acoustic models ever produced by Epiphone, this guitar is a faithful recreation of a legendary instrument cherished by country icons like Loretta Lynn. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid ovangkol back and sides, the Excellente offers a robust, balanced tone that is both vibrant and nuanced, catering to a wide array of musical styles.

The guitar's 5-piece maple/walnut neck with a comfortable C profile ensures playability for musicians of all levels, while the ebony fingerboard adorned with historic mother-of-pearl Block Cloud inlay adds a touch of elegance. Equipped with the Fishman Sonitone electronics, the Masterbilt Excellente seamlessly transitions from unplugged intimacy to stage-ready amplification, offering easy access to volume and tone controls right from the soundhole.

Whether you're a singer-songwriter or a seasoned performer, this guitar's vintage-inspired aesthetic, complemented by gold Kluson Waffleback tuners and a bone nut and saddle, makes it a standout choice for those seeking both style and substance. The large dreadnought body provides powerful projection, making it perfect for both intricate fingerpicking and dynamic strumming.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top; solid ovangkol back and sides
  • 5-piece maple/walnut neck with C profile
  • Ebony fingerboard with Block Cloud inlays
  • 25.315-inch scale length; 20 frets
  • Fishman Sonitone pickup system
  • Gold Kluson Waffleback tuners with metal buttons

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Square Shoulder Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Solid Ovangkol
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Binding Ivory/Black 6-ply top, 4-ply back
Neck Wood Maple/Walnut
Neck Shape C
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Excellente Block Clouds
Number of Frets 20, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 25.315"
Nut Width 1.68"
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Gold Kluson Waffleback Vintage Tuners with Metal buttons
Electronics Fishman Sonitone
Strings Gibson, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid ovangkol back and sides, contributing to its rich and resonant sound.

Does the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente come with built-in electronics?

Yes, the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone preamp and Sonicore piezo pickup, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified performances.

Is the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente suitable for fingerstyle playing?

The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente's 12" radius ebony fingerboard and medium jumbo frets provide a comfortable and responsive playing experience, making it well-suited for fingerstyle techniques.

How does the neck of the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente feel?

The guitar features a C-shaped maple neck with a walnut center stripe, offering a smooth and comfortable grip ideal for various playing styles.

What is the nut width of the Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente, and how does it affect playability?

The nut width is 1.68", providing a balance between string spacing and playability, which is comfortable for both chord strumming and intricate fingerpicking.

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente - Sound Demo (no talking)

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Guitar Demo: Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Offers Modern Take on a Vintage Rarity by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Demo: Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Offers Modern Take on a Vintage Rarity

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for A Unique Epiphone Masterbilt Acoustic for the Stylish Strummer | Excellente by Alamo Music Center

A Unique Epiphone Masterbilt Acoustic for the Stylish Strummer | Excellente

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Excellente by Epiphone Masterbilt, Electro Acoustic Guitar Review/Demo by 77GuitArts

Excellente by Epiphone Masterbilt, Electro Acoustic Guitar Review/Demo

77GuitArts

77GuitArts

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Demo ('Kotaro Oshio-세피아색 사진' Covered by Guitarist '유은호') by Music Force Official

Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Demo ('Kotaro Oshio-세피아색 사진' Covered by Guitarist '유은호')

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful mother of pearl and ebony fretboard enhance its aesthetic appeal

  • Solid wood construction offers robust sound quality

  • Offers clean bass and crisp highs for a balanced sound

  • Excellent playability with low action and no buzz

  • Comparable in quality to high-end models like Martin or Gibson

  • Warm, dynamic sound with good projection and sustain

  • Distinctive, elegant design with unique sound qualities

  • Ebony fretboard enhances sound, feel, and looks

  • Great value for money, offering high-end features at an affordable price

CONS

  • Some models have poor assembly, leading to string buzzing

  • Heavy and relatively quiet, lacking open clarity and sparkle

  • Thick, unattractive artwork on the pickguard

  • Cosmetic issues such as finish defects and uneven fretwork

  • Pickup system may need replacement for better performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente.

Build quality

  • The guitar is described as heavy, requiring a delicate touch due to its big, fat frets.

    Source
  • Despite its substantial weight, the guitar's sound is perceived as superior, potentially linked to its robust build.

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  • It's noted that Masterbilt guitars have all solid wood construction, similar to the "Inspired by Gibson" series, which ensures a high-quality build.

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Comparisons

  • It's compared favorably to high-end models like the Martin D-28, with some users stating it rivals guitars priced between $3,000-$5,000.

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  • The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente is said to produce a classic Hummingbird tone with a bold, polished sound and slightly scooped midrange, unlike Martin's smaller, humble midrange.

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  • The Masterbilt EF 500 RA is noted for its dynamic, loud sound with more middle tones, suitable for fingerpicking, contrasting with the bright tone of the Epiphone J200 "Inspired by Gibson" better for strumming.

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  • Some owners claim the Epiphone Masterbilt and "Inspired by Gibson" models rival the sound quality of specific Gibson and Martin guitars, sometimes surpassing them in tone.

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Value and pricing

  • Some consider it expensive for an Epiphone, but it's noted as a high-quality alternative to more costly Gibson or Martin models.

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User experience

  • Despite its weight, the guitar is praised for its sound quality, standing up to several high-end models in terms of performance.

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  • A new owner was surprised by the guitar's crisp sound and outstanding appearance, expressing concern over tight fitting in a standard Epiphone dreadnought hard case.

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  • Owners highlight that Masterbilts typically have a 25.5" scale length, differentiating it from the "Inspired by Gibson" models which use the classic Gibson 24.75" scale.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for those seeking a unique aesthetic without compromising on sound, even if they can't afford a high-end Gibson or Martin.

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  • The guitar records easily with minimal processing and has been tested only with a mic, not amplified, suggesting it excels in studio settings.

    Source
  • The Masterbilt is preferred for fingerpicking due to its dynamic sound, whereas the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" is favored for strumming.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note the guitar's weight, estimating it between 7-8 lbs, which may be significant for live performers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Acoustic Guitar Review: Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente Offers Modern Take on a Vintage Rarity | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente is a visual delight, echoing the vintage charm of its 1963 predecessor with ornate aesthetics and quality craftsmanship. It’s equipped with modern features like a Fishman Sonicore pickup, making it stage-ready while maintaining its retro allure. However, its considerable weight and lack of resonance may leave players wanting more from its sonic performance. While it excels in delivering mellow tones for folk rock or singer-songwriter sessions, those expecting a robust dreadnought sound might find it underwhelming. Overall, it's a high-quality guitar with stunning looks, but its tonal character may not meet all expectations.

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